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5 football stars who could retire after 2018 FIFA World Cup

February 28, 2018

Image Credit - Sportskeeda

The 2018 FIFA World Cup is set to see the biggest and most talented crop of players taking to the field as the biggest event of the year will start on 14th June with the hosts Russia kicking things off against Saudi Arabia. While many players will be looking to fulfill their ambition at the tournament, we may see many modern-day football greats like Andres Iniesta, Dani Alves, etc. bid farewell to their glittering International career and retire.

Since the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Petr Cech, and Arjen Robben failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, we have kept them out of the list of our top 5 players who could retire after 2018 FIFA World Cup. The list sees players who are set for their final swansong later this year and would hope to go out on a high.

5 players who could retire after 2018 FIFA World Cup

1). Andres Iniesta (Spain)

We will never forget Andres Iniesta’s goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final which won Spain their first ever World Cup title after years of under-achieving. Iniesta will be 34-years-old at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and seeing the younger crop of players emerging for Spain, we could very well see Iniesta retire from the national stage.

2). Dani Alves (Brazil)

In terms of European titles, Dani Alves is a legend with 3 Champions League titles, 2 UEFA Cups, and 3 UEFA Super Cups to his name. However, Alves is yet to taste the World Cup success and with Brazil’s irresistible front line of Neymar, Coutinho, Jesus, and Firmino at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, we may see Dani Alves go out on a high with a World Cup winners medal to his name. Alves, 34 has represented Brazil in over 100 matches and the 2018 FIFA World Cup could see him retire from football.

3). Javier Mascherano (Argentina)

One of the most underrated players in the modern era, Javier Mascherano will be eager to wipe off Argentina’s loss in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final against Germany as he prepares to play his final international competition for the South American giants. Mascherano has recently joined the Chinese Super League to prepare himself for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and is once again expected to lead Argentina’s backline in Russia. However, there are high chances that the Argentinian could retire from international football after the World Cup.

4). Vincent Kompany (Belgium)

Belgium and Manchester City captain has made it clear that the 2018 FIFA World Cup will be his last international competition, however, he will continue to play football and hopefully stay at Man City to enjoy success under Pep Guardiola’s astute management.

In an exclusive interview with De Morgen, Kompany said: “I won’t stop playing football after the World Cup, but chances are I’ll stop playing for the national team, and they know that too. The more matches you play, the more you are away from home, the more you put your body under pressure, and the less chance you have to stay healthy.”

5). Laurent Koscielny (France)

Like his Premier League compatriot, Laurent Koscielny is set to call it a time on his international playing career as the 32-year-old is set to focus on his club career. Koscielny spoke with Sky Sports earlier this year and revealed that the end is very near for his international playing career.

Koscielny said: “After the World Cup, I would be almost 33-years-old, it will be time to leave the place. I have six months left in the French team to blossom and take as many memories as my wife would say.”